Beginning a New Journey

I am just beginning my 2nd Icon.  I’ve chosen Saint George.  Saint George was a Christian born in approximately 275-81 AD.  He followed in his fathers footsteps to become an elite member of the Roman Guard.  The Emperor Diocletian ordered that his soldiers offer a sacrifice to the Roman Gods, however George refused.  Even though the Emperor begged him to renounce and gave him many offers, George remained true to his Christian faith. Diocletian had no choice but to put George to death for his disobedience. His death is recorded: April, 303.

Saint George is the Patron saint of England and a highly venerated saint in the Catholic and Orthodox churches.  His feast day is April 23.  The earliest depiction of St. George show him as a soldier with armor, a shield and lance. The tale of Saint George and the Dragon was brought back with the Crusaders and heralds back to the 10th century.  A Gregorian book from the 11th century tells the tale:

Taking place in Silene (modern day Libya) there is a town plagued by a dragon.  The people of the city offer two sheep a day and this would usually appease the dragon.  Eventually, however, when this no longer satisfied the dragon, they begin a lottery and choose to sacrifice a child.  One day in the lottery, the Kings own daughter was chosen.  He offered all of this gold and silver in exchange for another child, however the townsfolk refused.  Sabra, the princess, was sent to a lake, dressed like a bride to await the dragon.  Saint George, by chance, rides by and sees the terrified princess.  She attempts to persuade him to leave her, but he remains and with the sign of the cross as his protection charges the dragon and wounds then lasso’s him.  The dragon is rendered meek and follows the princess and Saint George back to the city of Silene.

George promises to slay the dragon if the people consent to become Christians and to be baptized.  Legend tells that 15,000 men, women and children were converted that day and Saint George then slew the dragon.

I contemplate what IS the dragon.  What does this mythical beast represent?

The dragon is a complex legendary creature that is both feared or revered in cultures around the world.  In Oriental and Celtic symbolism, the dragon represents creation, hidden wisdom and vitality.  The dragon is a positive force… even lucky.  In European mythology and sometimes found in Persian lore, the dragon usually more malevolent.  Usually depicted as a winged serpent with fire breathing capabilities. Often, the dragon  protects a castle or cavern or lair filled with fabulous treasures.  So does the dragon represent Greed and hoarding?  In medieval symbolism, dragons are symbols of apostasy and treachery, anger and envy.  Sometimes they have several heads, each one to symbolize a negative trait like greed or oppression.  Regardless, the concept of dragon dates back to Greco-Roman times are found in mythologies all of the globe.

In my future Icon, I will only be painting Saint George.  I began today, purchasing 23K gold leaf.  An exciting new technique for me!  More later.